Barton heads to Fleetwood

QPR midfielder Joey Barton appears to have taken a step closer to leaving the west London club after agreeing to train for the week with League Two Fleetwood Town.

The vast majority of QPR’s senior squad is undertaking pre-season while on a tour of Asia but Barton, because of the 12-match ban he received for his conduct on the final day of last season, was omitted from that particular party and will instead attempt to prepare for the upcoming season with the Football League newcomers.

“Looking forward to training with Fleetwood Town for the week,” tweeted Barton, who was also stripped of the club captaincy and given a six-week fine. “Will get a much needed sweat on.

“Still have 3 years left at QPR. Exciting times for the club, which I intended to be part of. Need to get some fitness in the meantime.